Boeing has signed a contract with Virgin Atlantic to implement inflight connectivity modifications across the airline’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners in order to enable Starlink services. The upgrades are intended to enhance onboard internet services, bringing high-speed, streaming-quality wi-fi to passengers. The services agreement was announced at the MRO Europe show in London on 15th October.
Starlink services form part of Virgin Atlantic’s recently announced passenger experience upgrade plans. As part of the modifications, Boeing will install new antenna fairings on the B787s, designed to accommodate Electronically Steered Phased Array (ESA) antennas. Together with an ESA, the fairing, called the Boeing Aerodynamic Shroud, supports low-Earth orbit (LEO) and multi-orbit connectivity.
“Partnering with Boeing to bring Starlink’s next-generation connectivity to our 787 fleet is another important step in creating a ‘home away from home’ experience for every customer,” said Corneel Koster, chief customer and operating officer at Virgin Atlantic (and soon to be CEO). “Together, we’re transforming how our customers stay connected in the skies – with low latency, super high-speed wi-fi, better than what most customers experience on the ground.”
Doug Backhus, vice president of cabin, modifications and maintenance at Boeing Global Services added, “We’re witnessing rapid advances in satellite and antenna technology, and we’re proud to provide our OEM-backed engineering expertise and hardware that will enable Virgin Atlantic to bring faster, more reliable connectivity to their 787 Dreamliner fleet.”
